There are new faces in the building, and not just the freshmen. Mr. Jameson Elkin is a new special education teacher with a mission.

“I want my students to grow, I want them to mature, I want them to learn,” Mr. Elkin said. 

Mr. Elkin is fresh out of college with a passion for teaching. He went to Indiana University Southeast, majoring in special and general education. Being a NAHS graduate himself, along with his mother previously teaching at Hazelwood, he says he was very excited for the opportunity to rejoin our community in his brand new role. Even though the transition from student to teacher was a new challenge, Mr. Elkin is excited about his new role. 

“The kids are great; the staff is wonderful to work with and overall very helpful,” Mr. Elkin said. “New Albany has a very good environment for learning growth and support.”

So what makes someone want to become a teacher? In Elkins case not only was his mom a teacher at Hazelwood, but his stepmom also taught. He says as a high school senior one of his own teachers inspired him to pursue teaching special education.

Outside of school Elkin enjoys baking and reading. He says he is learning how to crochet. He described himself as “boring”. 

“I want to create a learning environment that is fun and safe,” Elkin said. “I want to create an environment that promotes learning and growth. Not just academically, but socially and behaviorally.”